El Salvador
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s El Salvador guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of El Salvador. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
There is a risk of contaminated drinking water. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. UK prescriptions cannot be used in El Salvador. To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacia San Nicolas, Farmacias UNO or Farmacias Economicas.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in El Salvador
Medical facilities outside San Salvador are usually basic. State-run hospitals are generally understaffed, underfunded and ill-equipped. Use private clinics and hospitals whenever possible. Some hospitals may be reluctant to treat you until they know you have medical insurance.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Always carry a copy of your insurance cover. Most medical staff speak only a little English.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in El Salvador.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in El Salvador.
COVID-19 healthcare in El Salvador
If you think you have COVID-19, call 132. This helpline is for issues related to COVID-19.
Not all hospitals accept patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Those that do often have specific areas set aside for COVID-19 patients. Check before travelling to a hospital. In an emergency, public hospitals will refer you to the new COVID-19 hospital, Hospital El Salvador.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.